Villager seeks more accurate way to charge sewage fees

SAUGERTIES, N.Y. » The village is being asked to consider a more accurate way to charge sewage use fees than basing the amount on 40% of a customer’s water usage.

The request was made during an online Village Board meeting Monday. Resident Frank Oliveri said his irrigation system during the summer may use more water but would not result in runoff that goes into the village wastewater system.

“My most recent bill ... for sewer is $717, which to me is outrageous based on the fact that I’m not using the sewer,” he said.

Village Mayor Bill Murphy said the sewer bill is based on average estimated usage, which would be expected to include more wastewater during the winter.

“During the winter months, probably more than 40 percent is [wastewater],” he said.

Murphy said there is more water usage during the summer and it is expected that much of it will not go into village sewers.

“I water my lawn,” Murphy said. “I get it. My water bill is three times the rate this past quarter than what it normally is.”

Murphy suggested Oliveri

consider drilling a well for outdoor water use.

Village Water Superintendent Mike Hopf said there is a waiver for a large amount of water being included on a sewer bill if the amount is for a pool.

“The only relief for sewer that the village allows is for a one-time pool filling, if it’s a brandnew pool, or if you completely replace the liner in the pool and you have to completely fill it up again,” he said.

Hopf said it would be complicated to act on the suggestion that a second meter be added for outdoor-only water use.

“We would have to read both meters when we go out and have a calculation setup in the system where we subtract out the irrigation use,” he said.

Murphy said a review of the customer’s bill could be conducted to determine how much larger it was than a year ago, and whether there could be other issues at play.

Oliveri said he would look at the expense of setting up a second water system using a private well.

“I’m not opposed to putting my hand in my pocket for a short-term expense for a long-term savings,” he said.